University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC)

The University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) offers a bachelor’s in journalism. It is a well-established and highly-regarded program with a long history. It has a comprehensive approach to communication education and offers a variety of programs and resources for students.

Overview

• History and Accreditation: Founded in 1916, the UO SOJC is one of the first professional journalism schools in the United States. It was one of the first to be accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) in 1948.

• Majors: The SOJC offers four undergraduate majors and six graduate level degrees.

• Locations: The SOJC operates on two campuses:

  • Eugene: The main campus at Allen Hall houses undergraduate programs, some master's programs, and a doctoral program.

  • Portland: The SOJC Portland location is in the state's largest media market and is home to professional master's programs and the Oregon Reality Lab and the Agora Journalism Center.

• Hands-on Learning: A cornerstone of the SOJC experience is its focus on experiential learning. Students can participate in:

  • Student-run publications, agencies, and groups.

  • Internships and professional practice.

  • Faculty-led learning and networking trips both domestically and internationally.

• Resources: The school provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Noteworthy Aspects

• Pioneering Programs: The SOJC is known for pioneering innovative approaches to communication. For example, its journalism program emphasizes solutions journalism and community-focused reporting.

• Ethical and Social Responsibility: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on media ethics, diversity, and social responsibility.

• Alumni Network and Success: The SOJC boasts a large and influential alumni network of over 21,000. Graduates and faculty have won 16 Pulitzer Prizes.

• Creative and Strategic Thinking: The SOJC fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and focuses on developing "creative strategists" and "critical thinkers." The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving media landscape and a diverse range of careers.

College Factual ranks or ‘best value journalism schools’ in Oregon for those with family incomes between $75k and $110k.

Alumni

Author Chuck Palahniuk attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1986. As part of his coursework, he interned at the local public radio station, KLCC.

Broadcast journalist Ann Curry earned her journalism degree from the University of Oregon and went on to work for NBC News, including as co-anchor of the Today show.